Theodore Alphonso Akrie

November 27, 1937 - November 19, 2011

Theodore "Ted" Alphonso Akrie, first born of Alphonso and Fozzie Akrie and big brother to Barbara Jean Flax; entered into this world on November 27, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.As a child and growing teenager, Ted attended elementary, middle and high school in Pittsburgh. While in high school, Ted met and married the love of his life, Naomi Waters on March 2, 1959. And then later, became a proud father of two sons, Eric Akrie on September 5, 1960 and Darren Akrie, born, November 14, 1964. Ted enlisted with the Army Reserves for three and a half years and served in the United States Air Force for 26 ½ years. While enlisted in the US Air Force, Ted and his family spent time stationed at Nellis AF Base in Las Vegas, McDill AF Base in Tampa, Hellenikon AF Base in Athens, Greece, McGuire AF Base, NJ and Lowry AF Base Denver. After his tour of duty in the Vietnam War, he was transferred to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver and received honorable discharge from the United States Air Force 15 years later. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Ted devoted the next 19 years working for the United States Postal Service, ending his 49 year Federal Government career in 2006.The most important thing in the world to Ted was his family. He found great joy not only in his children, but in all four of his grandchildren as well. Watching movies, playing cards, and bowling were a few of the hobbies that he loved. Once Ted became a grandfather, Easter became a huge event at the Akrie residence. Snickering to himself, he would hide plastic Easter eggs filled with money to delight the grandkids on Easter Sunday.Ted was a strong, loving and devoted husband to his wife Naomi. They spent 52 years building a wonderful life together. Ted and Naomi enjoyed going to church, attending grandchildren's sporting events, and travel. Ted, Teddy, Pop, Dad, Grandpa we will miss you.